Boston University - Bioinformatics

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The Bioinformatics Program at Boston University and the laboratories of the Intramural Research Program of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) have a shared interest in scientific progress in the field of bioinformatics, as well as in the training of the next generation of outstanding investigators that will advance the field in the interest of national health. Based on a long history of excellence in bioinformatics research at both Boston University and the NIH, this collaborative program offers students an extraordinary opportunity to benefit from the expertise of mentors at both institutions. The goal for students is to attain a common core of knowledge with particular emphasis to be able to integrate knowledge from biological and mathematical disciplines.

All students in this program will be full time graduate students in the Bioinformatics Program at Boston University. As such, the Bioinformatics Program will provide the basic formal educational structure for all students within its program. All students, regardless of the site at which they conduct their dissertation research, will meet the degree and program requirements as established by the Bioinformatics Program of Boston University. Three major concentration areas are included in the program: Molecular/Cell Biology, Physical Chemistry and Biochemistry, and Computational Bioinformatics. A Bioinformatics Seminar Series that features notable leaders in the field from academia, industry, and federal agencies enriches the students' training at both Boston University and the NIH.

The Ph.D. requires a total of 64 credits, with the curriculum consisting of ten lecture/laboratory courses, as well as research and seminar courses. The core curriculum consists of four courses; additional coursework is tailored to the interests and background of the individual student, in consultation with the student's two academic advisors. Doctoral students will spend time doing dissertation research at both the NIH and at Boston University.

The program is structured in a way that encourages interdisciplinary training, bridging academic departments and NIH Institutes in a seamless fashion and integrating computational methodologies into biological education. Participating faculty include over 60 professors from five of the Schools at Boston University. In addition, the NIH offers unlimited opportunities for students to work in state-of-the-art facilities on cutting-edge projects. Many of the almost 1500 investigators at the NIH capitalize on bioinformatic techniques or methodologies to advance their own research.

Students admitted into the program are supported throughout their training by a combination of Boston University support and funding available through the NIH's Intramural Research Training Award program. Support includes an appropriate stipend, medical insurance, and tuition.

Students wishing to be considered for admission into this partnership need to submit both the NIH-Boston University GPP application and the Boston University Graduate School of Arts and Sciences application by the specified deadlines.

Researchers Participating

Students wishing to be considered for Fall 2015 admission into this partnership need to submit an application to the GPP by MONDAY, DECEMBER 1, 2014 at 11:59pm ET. References must submit their letters of recommendation by MONDAY, DECEMBER 8, 2014 at 11:59pm ET. A separate application to Boston University must be submitted, meeting their deadline. Under very exceptional circumstances will the admissions committee consider an application after the deadline.